Saturday, March 6, 2010

The Flyers earned a loser point in an overtime loss to the Sabres last night to extend their cushion to three points for sixth in the conference. Otherwise, it was a quiet night in the playoff chase.

Tonight sees every other team on the board in action, with a big four-point match-up between the Thrashers and Lightning. If Tampa can win in regulation on home ice, it would close the gap with Atlanta to a single point. It’s hard to say what kind of result would be most beneficial for the Habs in that game, but I’d have to think getting Tampa off their backs with a loss would help more than if the Lightning pulled closer to the glut of teams tied for eighth.

The standings could change drastically tonight. If, for example, the Bruins lose to the Islanders and Atlanta, the Rangers and the Habs all win, suddenly Boston would fall from seventh to 10th. That’s parity folks. Manufactured parity, but parity nonetheless.

One final note, tonight’s game starts the second-to-last set of back-to-back games for the Habs this season. Every other team on the board has at least three left.

Philadelphia Flyers – Sixth place, 33-26-4, 70 points

Last night: 3-2 OT loss to Buffalo

Next game: v. Toronto Sunday

19 games remaining, 10 against teams in playoff spot

Home (10) – Tor March 7, NYI March 9, Bos March 11, Chi March 13, Atl March 21, Min March 25, NJ March 28, Mtl Apr 2, Det April 4, NYR April 11

Who you're reading

I'm a freelance sports reporter working in Montreal who has covered the Habs since 2000. I used to be obsessed with the Canadiens by choice, and for free. Now I'm paid to do the same thing. It's pretty sweet.